Dredger Maas makes debut in Tilbury

New hybrid, water-injection dredger Maas has launched a programme of work on the Thames with a visit to the Port of Tilbury (POTL) on 27 April.

Built for Van Oord by Kooiman Marine Group, Maas uses an innovative hybrid energy management system to reduce harmful CO2 emissions, by capturing residual heat in batteries to propel diesel-electric engines.

The vessel also features heave compensation and dynamic positioning technology. This enhances its efficiency, by allowing operations to be pre-programmed in greater detail in advance.

Its other innovative features include the ability to instantly switch between water injection modes from the bridge. The dredger is also equipped with a multi-beam echosounder, enabling online updates of the dredged seabed.

Tanya Ferry, head of environment at the Port of London Authority (PLA), commented: “It’s great to see emissions-reducing ships like Maas make their first calls on the river.”

The PLA’s hydrographic team, who survey and chart the area for POTL, was closely involved in Maas’ debut operation on the Thames, capturing these images via drone.

Nick Evans, POTL marine asset manager, declared the visit a success, recording a ‘significant improvement’ in the navigability of the dock entrance.